Method and apparatus for improved belt type expansion joints

A belt type expansion joint apparatus for use between wall surfaces subject to longitudinal expansion and contraction, said apparatus comprising in combination:

• a belt comprising a body portion that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and having a first edge bead at one end and a second edge bead at the other end;
• a first clamp bar and means for mounting said clamp bar to a first clamping surface connected to a first wall section, said first clamp bar having an inner recess and said first clamping surface having an outer recess, whereby a first cylindrical cavity elongated in the transverse direction will be defined by said inner and outer recesses when said first clamp bar is mounted upon said first clamping surface;
• a second clamp bar and means for mounting said clamp bar to a second clamping surface connected to a second wall section, said second clamp bar having an inner recess and said second clamping surface having an outer recess, whereby a second cylindrical cavity elongated in the transverse direction will be defined by said inner and outer recesses when said second clamp bar is mounted upon said second clamping surface;
• wherein at least one of the edge beads has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of a cylindrical cavity into which that edge bead may be clamped by a clamp bar through said mounting means, and said clamp bar further comprises a means to inject a sealant into that cylindrical cavity and around said edge bead.